Fomite Transmission, Lab Report Example

Introduction

This purpose of this lab exercise is to evaluate the tendency of microbes to reside and proliferate within tested environments. The testing environments selected were chosen based on their traditional and popular roles in the lives of almost all humans. It is rare a person will be able to go one day with out coming in contact with many, if not all of these testing grounds. Therefore, this experiment becomes relevant in evaluating the possible sources which contribute the most to spread of viruses, bacteria and other microbes which might be dangerous to human health.

Hypotheses

All tested surfaces will present multiple microbes. Greatest habitation is expected to be found on the kitchen stove and toilet, while minimal growth is expected for computer, TV remote, toy, toothbrush, kitchen stove, and soda top.

Materials Used

• Distilled Water
• 10% bleach solution
• 30% bleach solution
• 18mL Agar nutrient
• Sterile swab
• Mask

Part 1

Two Agar plates are used. Each plate is divided into four quadrants, labeled one through eight. The following eight places are chosen to be tested:

• Toilet
• Computer
• TV remote
• Door handle
• Toy
• Toothbrush
• Soda top
• Kitchen Stove

Conclusion

The experiment yielded both expected and unexpected results. The kitchen stove, as expected was one of the biggest carriers of microbes. Not only were multiple species present, but there numbers were larger than most of the other samples. The toilet, however, did not yield either as many or as numerous microbe species as expected.

The computer, remote and toy yielded unremarkable results. Microbes were present, but not in great number or variety. The door handle produced no visible microbes. Either experimental error or an unknown disinfection, prior to sample being taken, are the likely causes of this unexpected result.

Both the tooth brush and the soda top produced far more microbes than expected. This leads to the conclusion that the contact with the mouth and subsequent saliva contributes to the high level of microbes on these surfaces.